Common Types of Police Cars
Law enforcement agencies around the world rely on a wide variety of vehicles to keep the peace and protect communities. In the United States alone, an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 police vehicles are in service nationwide, operated by city police departments, county sheriffs, state highway patrols, and federal agencies. These fleets include everything from agile sedans to spacious SUVs and even pickup trucks. Common types of police cars can vary by region and agency, but they all share a common goal: providing officers with safe, durable, and high-performance vehicles for the demands of police work.
Police cars are far from ordinary civilian vehicles. Manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge produce special police package versions of their cars that are purpose-built for law enforcement use. Almost any model could theoretically be outfitted for police duty, but over the years a few popular police vehicles have become staples due to their proven performance and reliability. Below, we explore the most common types of police cars – from the classic cruisers to modern SUVs – and what makes them so well suited for the job.
What Makes Police Cars Different?
Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand how police cars differ from regular cars. A patrol car isn’t just a standard sedan off the dealership lot; it’s a purpose-built law enforcement vehicle with numerous modifications for durability, safety, and performance. Key differences include:
Police Sedans: The Classic Patrol Car
- Heavy-Duty Components: Police vehicles feature reinforced suspension, heavy-duty brakes, and upgraded cooling systems. These allow the cars to withstand high-speed pursuits, long idling periods, hopping over curbs, and the general wear-and-tear of daily patrol. For example, engines often idle for hours and then accelerate rapidly, so police cars use high-capacity alternators, oil coolers, and robust transmissions built for these extremes.
- More Power and Performance: Many police cars come with more powerful engine options than their civilian counterparts. Police sedans and SUVs commonly use high-output V8 or turbocharged V6 engines to ensure quick acceleration and top speeds in excess of 130 mph when needed. All-wheel drive or pursuit-tuned stability control systems are often included to improve handling during chases. These performance tweaks give officers an edge when responding to emergencies or chasing suspects.
- Specialized Equipment: Police cars are outfitted with emergency lights, sirens, radios, laptop computers, partitions, and weapon mounts. The electrical system is modified with additional wiring and high-output alternators to power flashing light bars, radios, and other electronics. Interiors are typically simplified (e.g. vinyl flooring, durable cloth seats) to accommodate officers wearing utility belts and to make cleaning easier. Trunks or cargo areas are modified to store lots of gear – from cones and first aid kits to long guns and less-lethal devices.
- Safety and Protection: Officer safety is paramount, so modern police vehicles incorporate features to protect those inside. Factory options or aftermarket upfits can include bullet-resistant door panels and windows to defend against gunfire. Windows are often tinted to conceal officers and equipment inside. Many patrol cars also have push bumpers on the front, allowing officers to nudge or ram a suspect’s vehicle if necessary without damaging the engine. Inside, a steel partition (or “cage”) separates the front officers from detainees in the rear seat.
In short, police cars are built to a higher standard of durability and functionality. Now, let’s look at the common types of police cars seen on the road today and some of the most popular models in each category.
For much of modern history, the image of a “police cruiser” was a four-door sedan. Sedans have been the backbone of police fleets thanks to their balance of speed, maneuverability, and ease of use in urban environments. While many departments are shifting to larger vehicles, several sedans remain common police cars or have left a lasting legacy in law enforcement. Here are the notable police sedans:
Dodge Charger Pursuit
One of the most recognizable police sedans today is the Dodge Charger Pursuit. With the discontinuation of older Ford police sedans, the Charger has become a go-to patrol car for many agencies across the U.S. Its muscular design and powerful drivetrain make it ideal for highway patrol and high-speed response. The latest police-spec Charger comes with either a 3.6L Pentastar V6 or a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. The V6 delivers around 300 horsepower, while the V8 ups the output to roughly 370 horsepower, giving officers plenty of acceleration on tap. Departments can choose rear-wheel drive for simplicity or all-wheel drive for improved traction in various weather conditions.
Beyond raw power, the Dodge Charger Pursuit is built for the rigors of police work. It features heavy-duty suspension components and brakes to handle aggressive driving. There are also law-enforcement specific features like Secure Park (which prevents the transmission from shifting out of park without the key, to thwart vehicle theft when idling) and optional ballistic door panel inserts for added protection. The Charger’s interior is designed to accommodate police equipment and computer mounts, and its roomy trunk can store extensive gear. Thanks to its combination of speed and durability, the Dodge Charger has firmly established itself as one of the most common police sedans in America.
Before the Charger became dominant, Ford’s Police Interceptor Sedan – based on the Ford Taurus – was widely used by departments throughout the 2010s. The Ford Taurus Police Interceptor offered a modern, all-wheel-drive sedan platform that many agencies embraced after the iconic Crown Victoria was retired. It came with robust V6 engine choices: a standard 3.5L V6 and an optional twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 that pumped out over 350 horsepower for rapid acceleration. In testing, the turbocharged Taurus Interceptor could reach 60 mph in around 6.5–6.7 seconds and had a top speed near 150 mph, making it one of the fastest police vehicles of its time.
Ford Police Interceptor Sedan (Taurus)
Officers appreciated the Taurus Interceptor for its balanced performance and relatively comfortable interior (considering all the gear officers carry). It had all-wheel drive for better grip and featured police-specific enhancements like reinforced subframes and stab-proof front seatbacks. Unfortunately, Ford ended production of the Taurus and its police variant in 2019 as the market shifted. However, many Taurus Interceptor sedans are still in service in various states, proving their longevity. They remain a common sight in some police fleets, even as new models phase in.
Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
No discussion of police cars would be complete without the legendary Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. The “Crown Vic” was the quintessential police car for decades, famously patrolling streets across the nation from the 1980s through the early 2010s. This full-size, V8-powered sedan was built on a sturdy body-on-frame design. Though Ford stopped production in 2011, Crown Victorias remained in frontline service for many years afterward due to their durability – and indeed, a few can still be found in smaller agencies or specialized uses today.
The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor earned its reputation as a workhorse. It had a 4.6L V8 engine (around 250 hp) that wasn’t the fastest, but it was extremely reliable. The car’s hefty size and rear-wheel-drive layout gave it stability in PIT maneuvers (forcing a fleeing car to spin out) and decent performance in highway pursuits. It featured a high-capacity alternator and upgraded cooling to handle prolonged idling with light bars and radios running. The Crown Vic also had a famously large trunk, convenient for storing officers’ gear or even K9 equipment.
Officers often noted that the Crown Victoria felt like it was “built like a tank.” It had a plush but firm suspension that could absorb the abuse of jumping curbs or navigating rough city streets. Later versions included improvements like stab-resistant seats and optional side-curtain airbags for safety. One interesting quirk was that the Police Interceptor model sat about an inch higher than civilian Crown Victorias, thanks to beefier shock absorbers and springs – this helped it clear obstacles and traverse rugged terrain better than a typical sedan. Even though the Crown Vic is now mostly retired, its legacy lives on in police lore, and it set the standard for what a police car needed to be: tough, spacious, and dependable.
Other Police Sedan Models
While the Charger, Taurus, and Crown Vic are the headliners, there have been other sedan models used by police over the years. Chevrolet Impala sedans, for instance, were fairly common in the 2000s and early 2010s for police and unmarked detective units. The Impala Police Package offered a 3.6L V6 (around 300 hp) and front-wheel drive, which some departments liked for its efficiency and lower cost. It was often used for administrative police vehicles or low-profile roles rather than high-speed pursuit, and it was valued for a comfortable ride. Chevrolet discontinued the Impala for police use as agencies gravitated toward more robust cars.
Chevy also briefly offered the Caprice PPV (Police Patrol Vehicle) in the 2011–2017 period – a modern revival of the classic Caprice, built on an Australian-imported Holden sedan platform with a powerful V8. A handful of departments deployed Caprice PPVs, enjoying their spacious interior and strong performance (the Caprice PPV could nearly hit 150 mph with its 6.0L V8). However, the Caprice was a niche player and was discontinued in 2017 when its overseas production ceased.
Overall, traditional sedans are gradually becoming less prevalent in police fleets. As you’ll see next, SUVs have surged in popularity. Still, the sedan – especially the Charger Pursuit – remains a common type of police car for many agencies, keeping the spirit of the classic police cruiser alive.
Police SUVs: Modern Fleet Favorites
In recent years, law enforcement has seen a clear shift from sedans to SUVs and crossovers as the primary patrol vehicles. Police SUVs combine many of the advantages of sedans (speed and handling) with added benefits like greater interior space, higher ground clearance, and improved versatility in various terrains. Today, a majority of new police vehicle purchases are sport utility models. Here are the common police SUVs that have become fleet favorites:
Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility
Perhaps the most common police vehicle on American roads today is the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, which is based on the Ford Explorer SUV. After the Crown Vic and Taurus were retired, the Explorer SUV quickly filled the void and is now ubiquitous in city and state police departments alike. This mid-size SUV provides a versatile platform that suits many law enforcement needs. It has ample room for officers, passengers (or arrestees), and a cargo area that can fit all the equipment an officer might need in the field.
Performance-wise, the Police Interceptor Utility is impressive. Modern versions come with a standard hybrid V6 powertrain or an optional 3.0L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine that produces around 400 horsepower. Despite being an SUV, the Police Interceptor Utility can out-accelerate many sedans – it’s been clocked going 0 to 60 mph in as little as 5.5 seconds in testing with the EcoBoost engine. All-wheel drive is standard on these police Explorers, giving them excellent traction in rain, snow, or when taking sharp turns in a pursuit. Ford even programmed a special pursuit mode into the vehicle’s computer: the system can detect aggressive driving (hard braking, sharp cornering) and automatically adjust the transmission and traction settings for optimal chase performance.
The Ford Police Interceptor Utility also focuses on safety and functionality. It offers optional Level III ballistic door panels to protect against rifle rounds, befitting a vehicle often on the front lines. The SUV’s higher seating position gives officers improved visibility, which is useful both for urban patrol and highway observation. With its combination of speed, space, and advanced features, the Explorer-based Police Interceptor Utility has become the flagship of many police fleets.
Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV)
Another extremely common police SUV is the Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle, often simply called the Tahoe PPV. The Chevy Tahoe is a full-size SUV, larger than the Explorer, and it has been a staple in law enforcement since the late 1990s. State highway patrol units, county sheriffs, and many suburban and rural police agencies favor the Tahoe for its size and capabilities, especially where off-road travel or towing might be required.
The latest Chevrolet Tahoe PPV is powered by a 5.3L V8 engine producing roughly 355 horsepower, giving it plenty of muscle for highway duty. It’s available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configurations. Uniquely, the pursuit-rated Tahoe is actually lowered slightly compared to the civilian Tahoe SUV – this lower center of gravity improves its stability and handling at high speeds. Don’t let the large size fool you: the Tahoe PPV can still move quickly and corner well for such a big vehicle. Its top speed is generally electronically limited to around 130 mph for safety.
The advantages of the Chevy Tahoe in police work include its spacious interior (capable of carrying lots of equipment or multiple passengers) and its robust body-on-frame construction, which holds up well in rough conditions. Many Tahoes are used as K-9 unit vehicles, with the rear cargo area modified to transport police dogs comfortably. They’re also common in specialized roles like search and rescue, HAZMAT response, or tactical teams, where the extra space and towing capacity (over 8,000 lbs in police configuration) come in handy. The Tahoe’s reliability and power have kept it one of the most common types of police cars, especially in departments that need a bit more size and off-road capability.
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Dodge Durango Pursuit
Dodge entered the police SUV arena as well with the Dodge Durango Pursuit. The Durango Pursuit is a modified version of Dodge’s mid-size SUV, tuned for law enforcement. It hasn’t reached the same level of ubiquity as the Ford or Chevy, but it’s gaining popularity among agencies that already use Dodge sedans or want an alternative to the Explorer. The Durango Pursuit offers a spacious three-row interior (useful for K-9 or transporting multiple detainees) and a choice of either a 3.6L V6 engine or a 5.7L HEMI V8, similar to the Charger’s options. The V8 Durango produces around 360 horsepower, giving it strong acceleration for a vehicle of its size.
One of the selling points of the Durango Pursuit is its available all-wheel-drive system and a durable unibody construction, which provide a solid balance between on-road handling and light off-road capability. Some state police and highway patrol units have added Durangos to their fleet for use in areas with harsh winters or rural terrain. With pursuit-rated tires, beefed-up suspension, and law enforcement electrical equipment, the Durango can perform much like the other police SUVs in high-stress situations. It also has one of the highest towing capacities in its class – useful for departments that might need to tow trailers or radar equipment.
Other Police SUVs
In addition to the Explorer, Tahoe, and Durango, a few other SUVs serve in police roles, though they’re a bit more specialized. The Ford Expedition SSV (Special Service Vehicle) is a heavy-duty full-size SUV (even larger than the Tahoe) that some agencies utilize, especially when extra towing or cargo capacity is needed. The Expedition SSV isn’t pursuit-rated for high-speed chases in the way the Explorer and Tahoe are, but it is built for tasks like carrying large amounts of gear, emergency response team deployments, or pulling trailers. The latest Expedition SSV comes with a powerful EcoBoost V6 (around 400 hp) and can tow well over 9,000 pounds – effectively a workhorse for law enforcement.
Another example is the Chevrolet Suburban in police or government service. The Suburban, a sibling to the Tahoe with an extended wheelbase, is frequently used by federal law enforcement and dignitary protection details. You’ll often see unmarked Suburbans in motorcades or used by the Secret Service and FBI. These are chosen for their cavernous interior and ability to be upfitted with armor and communications gear, though they’re not typically involved in high-speed pursuits.
Across the board, SUVs have proven their value to modern police work. They offer the space to carry specialized equipment (rifles, medical gear, spike strips, etc.) and the versatility to go from urban patrol to a muddy back road without skipping a beat. With an SUV like an Explorer or Tahoe, an officer can respond to a roadside accident, pursue a suspect through winding streets, or traverse a flooded area during a disaster – all in the same shift. This flexibility is why SUVs are now among the most common police vehicles on the road.
Police Pickup Trucks and Specialized Units
While sedans and SUVs make up the bulk of police fleets, many departments are also incorporating pickup trucks for particular roles. Police pickup trucks are especially useful in rural areas, for departments that patrol national parks or tough terrain, and for agencies that need the utility of a truck bed. In recent years, manufacturers have introduced pursuit-rated pickups to ensure these trucks can keep up with the demands of police work.
Ford F-150 Police Responder
Ford made headlines when it launched the F-150 Police Responder, the first pursuit-rated pickup truck. Based on the popular F-150, this truck is modified to handle high speeds and aggressive driving while still offering the utility of a pickup. Under the hood, the Police Responder packs a 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine delivering around 400 horsepower, giving it surprisingly quick acceleration for a truck. It’s equipped with four-wheel drive for all-weather and off-road performance. The top speed is about 120 mph – lower than a slick sedan, but remarkable for a vehicle of this size and shape.
The F-150 Police Responder comes with law enforcement suspension tuning, upfit wiring for lights/sirens, and upgraded brakes. Its rugged build and higher ground clearance make it ideal for sheriffs or state troopers who may find themselves on dirt roads, farms, or highways. Plus, the pickup bed allows officers to carry larger equipment or even mount specialized gear (for example, some departments use pickups to carry barricades or drone units). This model has proven that a truck can be a viable and common type of police vehicle for agencies with diverse needs, and it paved the way for other manufacturers to follow.
Chevrolet Silverado Police Truck
Not to be outdone, Chevrolet also introduced a police-ready pickup: the Chevrolet Silverado Police Pursuit Vehicle. This is a modified Silverado 1500 pickup engineered for law enforcement, similar in concept to the F-150 Responder. The Silverado PPV typically comes with a 5.3L V8 (around 355 horsepower) and is available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. It’s built with sturdy suspension components and durable tires to handle rough usage. Its pursuit rating means it’s tested for sustained high speeds and quick maneuvering. Agencies that prefer GM vehicles or need trucks for specific duties have started adding Silverado PPVs to their fleets, though these are still emerging compared to the well-established Ford.
Other Specialized Vehicles
Beyond pickups, police agencies employ a variety of other specialized vehicles, though these are usually not “common” patrol cars. Motorcycles are used by traffic units (for example, highway patrol motorcycle officers) due to their agility in traffic enforcement. Vans and armored trucks are used by SWAT teams or tactical units – some departments have armored rescue vehicles like BearCats or even military-surplus MRAPs (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles) for high-risk situations. Unmarked cars of various makes and models are used by detectives or for traffic enforcement; these might be anything from a Ford Fusion to a Dodge Durango, chosen to blend in. While these vehicles play important roles, they’re typically deployed in specific scenarios and aren’t the everyday police cruisers that the public commonly sees.
Emerging Trends: Hybrid and Electric Police Cars
As automotive technology advances, police fleets are gradually evolving as well. One notable trend is the adoption of hybrid vehicles in law enforcement. Ford led the charge by offering a hybrid version of the Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer). A hybrid police SUV can significantly reduce fuel consumption during idle and low-speed operations (which is a large portion of a patrol car’s life). Departments have reported cost savings on fuel and reduced emissions, without sacrificing performance. The hybrid Explorers still have strong acceleration and can reach typical police pursuit speeds, but they use far less gasoline during mundane tasks or when stationed at crime scenes for hours. This blend of efficiency and capability means hybrid police vehicles are becoming more common, especially in urban departments mindful of both budgets and environmental impact.
On the horizon is the possibility of all-electric police cars. Fully electric vehicles (EVs) are still a rare sight in police service, but a few agencies have started testing them. For example, some police departments have piloted the Ford Mustang Mach-E (an electric crossover) as a patrol vehicle, and a handful have experimented with Tesla models for police use. Early feedback has been mixed – officers praise the rapid acceleration and quiet operation of EVs (which can be an advantage in sneaking up quietly), but challenges remain with charging infrastructure, range limitations during long shifts, and the current lack of a factory-built police EV with all the necessary equipment and interior modifications. As of now, no American police force has a large fleet of EV patrol cars, but interest is growing. Notably, New York City ordered a batch of Mustang Mach-E police vehicles, and some forces in Europe (and places like Dubai) are adopting or testing electric patrol cars.
Manufacturers are certainly paying attention. Ford, for instance, has stated its commitment to developing police-ready EVs in the future and has already rolled out an all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup in a Special Service Vehicle configuration (aimed at police and fire departments, though not pursuit-rated). It’s likely that within the next decade, we’ll see electric police cruisers become more viable as battery technology improves. Until then, the common police cars remain those proven gasoline and hybrid sedans and SUVs that dominate fleets today. One last vehicle I want to mention as a side note is the hummer h2 special armored vehicle check it out to learn more .
To Finish Off
From the stalwart Crown Victoria of yesterday to the high-tech hybrid SUV of today, police cars have continually adapted to meet the needs of law enforcement. The common types of police cars – whether a slick Dodge Charger, a versatile Ford Explorer Interceptor, or a robust Chevy Tahoe – all balance speed, power, and reliability. They are the result of decades of refinement, built to withstand the unique demands of police duty. Officers trust these vehicles with their lives, whether it’s racing to an emergency call, engaging in a high-speed chase, or transporting a suspect safely to jail.
Importantly, police vehicles also continue to improve in protecting those inside. Modern patrol cars can be outfitted with bullet-resistant glass and reinforced armor, reflecting an increasing focus on officer safety in dangerous situations. Specialized companies upgrade these vehicles with additional ballistic protection and technology, ensuring that law enforcement personnel have confidence in their cruisers when the going gets tough.
In summary, the common police cars seen on the road – sedans like the Charger, SUVs like the Explorer and Tahoe, and even the newer trucks – each play a critical role in public safety. They are purpose-built tools that enable officers to do their jobs effectively. As technology and policing needs evolve, we can expect police cars to keep evolving as well, possibly with more hybrids and electrics joining the fleet. Yet no matter how much styles and models change, the mission of these vehicles remains the same: to help police maintain law and order while keeping officers and communities safe.
